Giants notebook: Brandon Belt's dad flies for first time to watch son play

In his 52 years on earth, Darrell Belt had never heard the following words: "You may now move freely about the cabin."

But the Texas high schoolteacher braved his fear of flying to get on an airplane for the first time. He accompanied his wife, Janice, to see their son, Brandon, for the first time in a major league game Friday.

It was mere coincidence that the Giants raised their World Series banner on the same day.

"First time they see me in a big league ballpark, and they get to be here for this," Brandon Belt said. "I'm not sure what he took to relax on the plane. He drives everywhere. I'm just glad he didn't have a heart attack."

Belt won't receive a World Series ring Saturday, but Giants vice president Bobby Evans presented him with his Arizona Fall League ring for winning the title with the Scottsdale Scorpions. Belt will get his ring for his first-half contributions to the Single-A San Jose Giants' championship, too.

That's not all. Belt also received rings in college when his Harwich team won the Cape Cod League, and another summer team, the Copp Hill Copperheads, bested the field in a Texas collegiate league.

"I'm the king of offseason summer league championships," Belt said. "My dad has all the rings. It's ridiculous. You should see it. As soon as I get 'em, my dad takes 'em from me. He wears them to school."

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Despite taking good at-bats in the first few games of the season, Belt is hitting .179 after going 1 for 6 in his official home debut. He struck out once, grounded into a double play and might sit against Cardinals left-hander Jaime Garcia on Saturday.

Miguel Tejada hit a solo home run in his first official home at-bat as a Giant.

Disabled outfielder Cody Ross had an MRI exam that showed his strained right calf is healing as expected. Ross said he hopes to begin jogging Saturday and plans for his minor league rehab assignment to last two games at the most.

Disabled right-hander Santiago Casilla said an MRI exam showed inflammation in his right elbow but no structural issues.

The Giants paid tribute to Bryan Stow, who remains in a medically induced coma with brain injuries after being assaulted in the Dodger Stadium parking lot March 31. Following a moment of silence with Stow's family in attendance, fans immediately started a loud "Beat L.A." cheer.